Life in the midst of the human race can be challenging, even on a good day.

A lot of that has to do with how we see other people. How we treat others in the gym and in life often depends on the filter we are viewing them through.

It is very common for people to rant and rage against this group or that group, especially on the Internet. If we see people only as a member of a certain group, it kind of anesthetizes us from the insults and hurt we might heap on them.

Think about it, do you see people only through a filters like these?

religion

race

politics

sexuality

appearance

age

There are certainly more filters used by people that affect how they treat others.

One of the best ways to get rid of the filters is to get to know real people in real life.

Yes, that means actually talking with them face to face in person.

What a concept!

Notice I said talking with them not at them. This includes actively listening to them, which is generally taken as a sign of respect.

At my gym, I have trained a wide variety of people; many of which have very different world views than my own. It is important to show respect and treat people like you want to be treated (kind of a Jesus idea isn’t it?)

Normally I won’t turn someone away except for them being lazy or too arrogant to learn.

Those are their own bad choices. I will not be an enabler to them by allowing them to bring those attitudes into my gym.